Babies & Children Under 30 Months

Children develop quickly in the Early Years and we do all we can to help children gain the best start in life. Using the Early Years foundation stage framework we aim to encourage every child to develop to their full potential from the moment they start at the Phoenix Montessori Nursery.

The EYFS is divided into four themes: A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments and Learning & Development.

All areas of learning and development are important. The three areas that are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are:

Communication and language development

Physical development

Personal, Social and Emotional development

There are also four specific areas, which will strengthen the three prime areas, these are:

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding the world

Expressive arts and design.

At the Phoenix Montessori Nursery children are given many opportunities to build on their experiences through play and a balanced programme of activities. For our Fledglings and Eagles we look at the three prime areas when planing activities and as the children develop in these areas, we then apply the four specific areas.

We strive to ensure that your child is happy, secure and comfortable. We have found that children become fond of all staff members but each child is allocated a special person. Their role is to give particular care and attention to your child, to feed back to you daily and take responsibility for your child’s development records. All staff members will ensure that your child is well cared for even if their special person is absent.

The Fledglings room take babies from three months to two years. Your child’s individual routines are met by their special person and can be recorded in a daily diary. The Fledglings room is free play offering the first steps to Montessori. Various staff led activities are on offer daily. Even at a young age we encourage independence for example pouring own drinks and using a spoon and fork at meal times. We regularly use baby signing during activities and meal times to promote language development. We also have a cot room and cosy corner for babies requiring a sleep at nursery.

Children start in the Eagles room from two years old. Staff work hard to teach children the basics of Montessori, alongside the EYFS, in preparation for their transition to the Owls room when they are rising three. Children are encouraged to be independent where possible for example choosing their own work and tidying away, putting on their own coat and shoes. At two, parents are often thinking about toilet training their child. Please be ensured that Eagles staff will help and support you and your child through this daunting time. When the time comes for your child to move up into the owls room, visits will be made during their normal session times to ensure a smooth and happy transition.